ATCHISON, Kansas (LifeSiteNews) — Thousands of pro-lifers completed a 5,124-mile relay to spread the pro-life message across America.

On October 25, pro-lifers were cheered across the finish line at Benedictine College, ending this year’s LIFE Runners “A-Cross America Relay,” the largest spanning pro-life event with 1,476 legs covering 5,124 miles.

“I am so encouraged by the authentic Catholic pro-life identity of Benedictine College,” Dr. Patrick Castle, the founder of LIFE Runners, told LifeSiteNews.

“While running up the hill, students invited other students to join us, like a scene out of the Rocky movie when the local community joined him on a training run,” Castle recalled. “The last mile ended on the main campus drive with President (Stephen) Minnis leading a large crowd with cheering.”

Castle revealed that he heard the students offer up the final race for an end to abortion. Pro-lifers also prayed the LIFE Runners Creed together before they started the race.

The relay, spanning 3,885 cities across 50 nations, began September 5 in four corners of the United States, including California, New York, Texas, and North Dakota. The relay covered 5,124 miles, or 12 million steps, forming a cross over the United States.

Pro-lifers walked or ran 5K legs on the relay course or from anywhere in the world America while wearing LIFE Runners shirts declaring the pro-life message and carrying the LIFE Runners banner. Castle estimated that 10,000 of LIFE Runners’ 25,257 teammates participated in the relay.

Participants include pro-lifers from all stages in life, including 10,000 students from kindergarten to college. As participants traveled across America, they stopped to pray at abortion facilities.

Castle revealed that LIFE Runners were able to save two babies this year through their witness outside an Omaha abortion clinic.

“Two mothers saw our witness at (Omaha) Planned Parenthood, Bernadette Costello offered help, and both mothers chose life! Then we walked a 5K leg of the A-Cross America Relay, lots of honks and cheers for life,” Castle celebrated.

The final rally included a blessing from Archbishop Joseph Naumann and an address from Minnis after Benedictine College students completed the final leg of the journey.

“Lord, awaken the conscience or our nation that our laws may someday soon protect the sanctity of life. Until that day Lord, help us surround with love women experiencing a difficult pregnancy,” Nauman prayed. “Open our hearts, Lord, to rescue mother and child from the tragedy of abortion.”

Pro-lifers from around the world can become part of the LIFE Runners team and participate in next year’s relay by walking or running part of the route or anywhere in the world. For more information, visit the LIFE Runners’ website.